Public Works: Transportation

Region’s 1st hybrid bus unveiled
City takes step in sustainability with fuel cell bus that can travel 250 miles before recharging, officials say. It can carry up to 67 passengers.
Burbank Leader: April 30, 2010 by Christopher Cadelago

DOWNTOWN — Burbank officials on Wednesday unveiled the first plug-in hybrid fuel cell bus in Southern California.

The 35-foot-long bus, which emits water as exhaust and uses a hydrogen fuel cell instead of a gas or diesel engine, will be put into service on city routes beginning next week and can travel 250 miles before recharging, tripling the fuel economy of a diesel bus, officials said.

The California Air Resources Board and state Energy Commission awarded the city $1.37 million to fund the roughly $1.7-million program. Burbank operates a hydrogen station and a stable of converted gas-to-hydrogen Toyota Prius models, City Manager Mike Flad said.

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Sustainability, a repeated goal for the council, has manifested itself in the city’s range of public transit options, with every resident living within a 1 1/2 -mile radius of a public park or recreational open space.

BurbankBus operates in and around the city on four fixed routes during morning and evening rush-hour periods. READ MORE !

Green Day Planner: April 28

RIDE THE FUTURE
April 28 - 9 am

The First Zero Emission Hydrogen Fueled Bus arrives in Burbank, California !

Attend the unveiling of the new zero emissions, ultraquiet, hydrogen powered bus on April 28, 2010.

“We are excited to be a leader in the use of responsible and progressive technologies. The City of Burbank has always prided itself on exploring alternative sources of fuel and this project is another example our Council’s commitment to sustainability”- Burbank City Manager Michael Flad

Community Services Building
- parking lot -
150 N Third

RSVP by April 22

Public Works: Transportation

Green’ Buses Set to Arrive: Natural gas vehicles brings the city’s municipal fleet up to 20% alternatively fueled vehicles.

Burbank Leader: August 28, 2009 by Christopher Cadelago

CITY HALL — Five new compressed natural gas buses will roll onto city streets in the coming weeks, each serving as the latest example of Burbank’s effort to “green” its fleet, transportation officials said.

The 30-seat buses, each with a price tag of about $395,000, bring the city’s number of alternatively fueled vehicles to 101, or about 20% of its municipal fleet, including compressed natural gas, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, said Ari Omessi, assistant Public Works director of fleet and building.

The newest buses were paid for with a mix of city and grant funds.

“We’re one of the cleanest cities out there,” he said. “And it’s genuine. We purchased [compressed natural gas] vehicles and put in a refueling station long before it was [politically correct.]”

To support its green quest, as well as the aspirations of private companies and neighboring Glendale, the city six years ago opened a public natural gas station at 810 N. Lake St., paid for with $600,000 in state grants and $200,000 from ENRG, the company originally contracted to operate and maintain the station for 10 years.

A demonstration hydrogen fueling station is at the city yard at 124 S. Lake St. READ MORE !